Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PDF pattern?

A PDF pattern is a document that can be downloaded instantly and includes instructions and pattern pieces. It is advisable to open Titchy Threads PDF documents with Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded for free here (it is likely that you already have it). The pattern pieces need to be printed and joined together, a bit like a puzzle. This doesn't take very long and full instructions are included in the patterns. We recommend reading these before printing. The sizes on our pattern pieces are differentiated by colour and by line style so can be printed in colour or black and white.

I have a problem reading or printing the PDF, what should I do?

The main cause of problems is not using the latest version of Adobe Reader to view the PDF. Our patterns use advanced PDF features like layers and not all readers support them, so it is important to only use an up to date version of Adobe Reader. This is free and can be downloaded here.

Can I sell clothes I make with your pattern?

Small-scale home based crafters are welcome to sell garments made with our paid patterns. For free patterns, please contact us first. Please give credit to Titchy Threads in all product listings. These patterns are not to be used for factory or mass production without prior agreement.

All patterns, pictures and instructions are protected by copyright law and should not be copied, reproduced or redistributed in any way. All rights reserved. Thank you for supporting my small business.

Why do I need an account?

We have set up accounts to make the process easier for you. Once you have purchased a particular pattern in your account you will be able to download it as many times as you need to. Note that this is still limited to downloads for the original purchaser's use only. You can opt to receive emails if a newer version is released for any of the patterns that you own. Newer versions will be made available to download in your account at no extra cost. We have limited the information required to just an email and password and there is a simple process to follow if you have forgotten your password. We will not share your details with any third parties.

You allow me to download patterns I have purchased multiple times. Does this mean I can download it for my friends?

No. This is a feature we offer to make downloads more convenient for the purchaser and to allow you to download the pattern again (at no extra cost) if a new version is released. However, the terms of purchase for a Titchy Threads pattern give the purchaser the right to use the pattern only. It should not be shared or redistributed in any way. If your friends or family are interested in the pattern please direct them to our website.

Where can I get help with the patterns?

I'm always happy to be contacted about my patterns. Besides contacting me directly, a great place to get help is the Titchy Threads Facebook Group which I check regularly and where there is a great community of people who have made my patterns and are often able to help.

What are the A0/A1 single page pattern PDFs for?

This is an additional option instead of printing the pattern at home and sticking the pages together. You can send this file to a print shop and they will print it on a single large piece of paper.

What are PDF Layers and how do I use them?

PDF Layers allow you to turn on (from within Adobe Reader) only the size that you want to print. This gives the best of both worlds of nested patterns and single-size patterns. Titchy Threads was the first pattern company to introduce this! See the Layers Page for more details.

Can I be a pattern tester?

If you are interested in pattern testing then send us an email with details of your sewing experience along with the ages, sizes and gender of your child(ren). If you are suitable for testing a new pattern release we will send you an email when it is ready. Testers are required to return photos and fill in a feedback form within a certain timescale, usually one week. You can also follow Titchy Threads on Facebook or join the Titchy Threads Facebook Group where we post details of new pattern release, sales and calls for pattern testers.

Can I get a refund?

This is only possible if the pattern has not been downloaded yet. Due to the nature of our products it is not possible for us to give a refund once the pattern has been downloaded.

What are cookies and how does this site use them?

Cookies are small pieces of information that a website sends to your computer's hard drive while you are viewing a website. Cookies keep you logged into the site once you have logged in and maintain your basket. They also allow us to see how many people are visiting the site - we use a third party service (Google Analytics) to do so. We do not have cookies from advertisers.

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies using your web browser, but please be aware that it will not be possible to buy or download any patterns if you decline them.

What are you doing about the new EU VAT laws?

From 1st Jan 2015 sellers of digital services must pay VAT in the country of the buyer. Even if you aren't in the EU yourself! This was introduced to target big sellers like Amazon that based themselves in countries with low VAT rates. However, there is no lower threshold on sales so even a single pattern to an EU country is liable. See http://euvataction.org/key-facts/ or my craftstorming post for all the details and how you can help change this.

Titchy Threads will be complying with the new law and will be charging VAT to all non-UK EU countries at the local rate in that country. UK sales are exempt because we are based in the UK and the lower threshold still applies to sales here. For the time being I have decided to pay the VAT on behalf of my customers, and so the price will not be higher in EU countries.